Antioxidant Potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. roots: In-Vitro Evidences

Abstract

Background: The study was aimed to determine the mechanism of antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (GG) roots using in-vitro assays. Methods: The various extracts of GG roots were prepared and evaluated for DPPH scavenging, reducing effects and nitric oxide inhibiting activities. Prepared extracts were screened for the presence of various phytochemicals and quantified on the basis of phytochemical present therein. Results: The results showed that all the prepared extracts contained phenolic compounds. Also, extract showed appreciable antioxidant effects in all three assays employed. However, among prepared extracts, ethylacetate extract was found to have strong free radical inhibition, ferric reducing potential and nitric oxide inhibitory effects. The reason for high antioxidant activity in ethylacetate extract could be attributed to the significant amount phenol compounds present in it. Conclusion: Evidently, GG’s capacity to scavenge free radicals, reducing potential and inhibit nitric oxide contributes to its antioxidant effects and thus, could be a strong candidate for developing antioxidant based drug therapy.